GET TO KNOW VALERIE

Valerie Kowalski, LMSW, DBT, CBT, REBT
Associate Therapist

Valerie is a clinician with extensive experience working with clients from diverse backgrounds. She graduated with her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Michigan School of Social Work, specializing in interpersonal and humanistic practice. She has expertise in REBT, CBT, and DBT therapies. She approaches each new client with an individualized treatment plan using various techniques such as problem-solving, coping skill development, motivational interviewing, emotion regulation, stress management, and laser-focused care planning.

She believes in the importance of meeting each individual where they are while helping them achieve goals of autonomy, safety, and security and finding inner peace. Valerie has experience working with individuals with a range of diagnoses, including anxiety, depression, personality disorders, substance use disorder, bipolar disorder, developmental disabilities, psychotic features, and dual-diagnosed populations.

Valerie is analytically focused and has several years of experience working on a research project for the University of Michigan, analyzing the intersection of the fields of intimate partner violence and substance use. She also served in the Peace Corps in Zambia, where she was able to adapt to a new environment and cultivate meaningful relationships. With experience in nonprofit social services and administration at an NYC homeless shelter, Valerie is well-versed in working with the most clinically complex individuals and their families. Valerie remains flexible to work with your schedule and accommodate your personal goals.

Valerie is consistently committed to enhancing her clinical expertise. Valerie has actively completed additional training in the following areas:

• Primary Certificate Practicum in Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), The Albert Ellis Institute
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Intensive Certification, PESI
• Adapting Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for Everyday Clinical Needs Advanced, PESI
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Training for Children and Adolescents: Rescuing the Dysregulated Child, PESI
• Telehealth and DBT: Best Practices, Essential Skills, and Ensuring Safety, PESI
• Personality Disorders: Advanced Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management, PESI
• Suicidality: Assessment and Intervention, PESI
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, NetCe
• Racial Trauma: The African American Experience, NetCe
• Female Sexual Dysfunction, NetCe
• Introduction to EMDR and Related Approaches in Psychotherapy, NetCe
• Professional Boundaries in Mental Health Care, NetCe
• Alcohol and Alcohol Use Disorders, NetCe
• Female Sexual Dysfunction, NetCe
• Male Sexual Dysfunction, NetCe
• Dream Work: Psychoanalytic Perspective, NetCe
• National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center: Foundations of LGBTQIA+ Health
• 9.58 Designation for the New York City Department of Mental Health and Hygiene